Maywood Music

Steven is no stranger to the stage and is sought after by other performing artists and recording studios. He often performs improvisational cello with several independent artists, including Jon Schmidt, Paul Cardall, Marshall McDonald, and Peter Breinholt to name only a few. He has also recorded on over 100 different albums. He was deemed "the best cellist in Utah" by FM100 and nominated as the best instrumental musician of the year by the

CMA. His first solo album, Sacred Cello (2006), was among Billboard's top 20 classical recordings in the nation, next to artists such as Yo Yo Ma. Sacred Cello also received a Pearl Award for Best Instrumental Classical Album. His recently released album, "Tender Mercies," (2008) is currently ranked in the top albums at music stores across the nation. He has soloed and recorded with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, the Orchestra of Southern Utah, the Young Artist Chamber Players, and many other performing ensembles.

Steven’s arrangements and compositions have also received international acclaim and have been performed by professional symphony orchestras, choirs, and solo artists all over the world. His symphony, “The Spanish Trail Suite,” co-composed with Marshall McDonald—commissioned by the Friends of Music Guild with a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in commemoration of the Old Spanish Trail, now recognized as a national monument—was recently performed by the Ukraine National Orchestra and the China Hunan Symphony. A recording of his newest symphony, “AFRICA,” has been downloaded 38 million times since its 2008 premiere.

Steven attended the University of Utah where he earned a B.A. in Music, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and a master’s certificate in Urban Planning. He currently works with Thornton Walker, Inc., a local real estate firm that assists individuals and businesses facing foreclosure. Those who first meet Steven usually think him to be a serious individual, but they soon learn that he loves to laugh and get others to laugh, especially with music. His deepest aspiration is to one day be akin to the great comedic musicians of our time, such as Victor Borge, Bobbi McFerin, and Peter Schickele. Most of all, Steven enjoys spending time with his wife, Julie, son, Eli, and daughter, Lucy. They currently reside in Salt Lake City. Steven believes any talent he possesses is owed to traits endowed by his